This morning (29th April) I met Hung at my habitual patch, when
I arrived he told me he had just seen and photographed a Fairy Pitta!!! We
decided to move in two opposite directions to increase our chances to relocate
it. The patch is small (ca 3 ha) but the vegetation is dense. Nevertheless,
we were confident to find it again.
After 45 minutes or so, I flushed it at about 200m from the place Hung saw it. It perched 10 meters away on a fallen branch, at eye-level. I moved verrrry slowly to get a better look and fired some (well, many…)
shots. After 1 minute of observation the bird dropped down to the ground to continue its Pitta's job, never to be seen again (by me). Later, Hung relocated it, almost in the same area, and got better images than the ones taken
in the early morning (low light conditions at this time).
Apparently, there are few records of Fairy Pitta in Vietnam. A once-in-a-lifetime bird for me, I think.
Apparently, there are few records of Fairy Pitta in Vietnam. A once-in-a-lifetime bird for me, I think.
Remark : this patch is dominated by paper
mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a very invasive small tree, common in disturbed areas, reaching a maximum heigh of only 10m. Located 2 km from city center, the patch is surrounded by reeds beds, grasslands and agricultural lands. Generally speaking migrant birds are not too fussy about habitat quality - Pittas also apparently!
Absolutely phantastic! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWas that in Bai Da?
Cheers, Florian
Hi FLorian
DeleteYes at Bai Da. We should have found this place earlier...
A passage migrant Pitta was more or less expected one day in one of our Hanoi`s patches, but all hopes rested on the most recorded one in Vietnam, i.e. the
Blue-winged, not the Fairy. My best bird seen in the city so far - and for Hung also I think..
Sebastien
Blimey, that is mega! Great work Sebastien & Hung and I am not envious at all ... Richard in Saigon :-(
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for you Sebastien and Mr Hung Le
ReplyDelete